Youth Ministry Coordinator

Position Summary

Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church (SOTP) is looking for a Youth Ministry Coordinator who will develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate activities that promote spiritual growth, fellowship, and community for youth. Through compassionate, creative, and courageous means, the Youth Ministry Coordinator will help youth explore identity, belonging, and purpose through a grounded Christian faith and community, and inspire them to faithful service in the church and broader community.

While this position is focused on high school youth ministry, the Youth Ministry Coordinator will work with the Pastor, the Director of Children and Family Ministry, and the Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Team to build a cohesive and complimentary program for youth of all ages with an opportunity to expand into areas of ministry involving middle school and college-aged youth.

This is a full-time, salaried position with flexible hours that include regular night and weekend commitments, especially Wednesdays and Sundays. Periodic overnights, weeklong trips, and other extended time commitments will also be expected.

SOTP Purpose Statement

A Growing Church for Growing People

SOTP Vision

Shepherd of the Prairie is a vibrant congregation that is open and attentive to God’s will. We reach people and build community on the ground and online with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Young people find a place to launch their faith lives. Adults live out an increasingly mature faith, growing deeper as followers of Jesus.

Through dynamic worship, meaningful small groups, and committed service, God’s people are able to love and be loved – in the congregation, community, and in the world.

Program Goals

• Provide a place where high school youth can make meaningful connections in a Christian community.
• Help youth grow in faith and deepen their relationship with God.
• Engage youth in a richer knowledge of Scripture.
• Provide a framework for understanding Scripture.
• Allow space for youth to explore their own interpretations/understandings (grounded in Lutheran theology).
• Encourage youth to explore how their faith shapes their life outside of the church.
• Inspire youth to actively participate and serve in the life of SOTP and the broader church.

Core Competencies

• Ability to connect with high school aged youth and communicate regularly with families and the congregation.
• Innovative in planning engaging activities. Ability to generate new ideas balanced with structure/routine.
• Possess a natural passion for faith/faith formation and connection to the church.
• Exudes a natural sense of care for the well-being of others by responding with empathy to the life circumstances of others. Demonstrates appropriate and boundaried expressions of care.
• Support a culture of welcoming and connection both within the Youth Group and in the life of the congregation.
• Practice direct, honest and transparent communication. Keep confidentiality, and respond to situations with consistency and reliability.
• Willingness to work with the Pastor and members of the Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Team to facilitate spiritual formation/discipleship as a journey or through personal reflection and a variety of spiritual practices.
• Desire to grow in knowledge and faith through study, educational opportunities, networking, reflections, and spiritual practices.
• Design effective lesson plans and facilitate learning experiences in both small and large group settings. With the Pastor, select teaching topics/curricula that are relevant, provocative and contribute to a deeper understanding of God’s faithful presence in Jesus.

Essential Functions

• Create a rhythm and structure for our high school Youth Group that can become familiar and consistent for youth and their families.
• Plan and lead weekly high school Youth Group gatherings.
• Organize and facilitate periodic special youth events such as lock-ins, “30 Hour Famine”, “Act 2Day 4 Tomorrow”.
• Arrange larger annual trips - likely a 3-year rotation including the ELCA Youth Gathering, a service-learning trip, and an adventure-community experience.
• Recruit volunteers to chaperone/assist in the leading of youth ministry activities/trips.
• Design fundraising opportunities to offset the cost of large trips.
• Develop a system/practice for publicising future youth events and celebrating previous events.
• Engage both youth who are active in our program and youth who are not.
• Collaborate with the Pastor to develop a Bible study/faith exploration plan and routine.
• Team with the Pastor and the Director of Children and Family Ministry to continue to shape and live into the values, practices, and vision of children, youth, and family ministry at SOTP.

Other Responsibilities

• Make connections with youth in Confirmation to encourage future participation in Youth Group.
• Create a plan for engaging youth after high school graduation.

Qualifications

• A member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (or similar denomination) or able to teach and support Lutheran theology with integrity
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably with some coursework in Christian religious studies
• Certificate in youth ministry (arrangements can be made to fulfill this qualification upon employment, if necessary)
• Previous experience in working with children and youth in a church environment or education setting (Preferred)

Supervision and Support

The Youth Ministry Coordinator reports directly to the Pastor.

Status and Compensation

This is a full-time position. Compensation is to commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Submit cover letter and resume to Pastor Ryan Mackey at pastorryan@sotpmail.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Statement

• Shepherd of the Prairie is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.
• As an equal employment opportunity employer, Shepherd of the Prairie is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $37,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $37,500